Cadillac has completely redesigned the CTS front end for 2008, with a much larger eggcrate grille that fits with the Cadillac family look of the DTS, STS, and Escalade. The new grille provides more incoming air for the engine cooling, brake cooling and transmission cooling functions. The large lighting units at the front and rear make very good use of light-emitting-diode or LED technology, lots of light and lots of style for little electrical load.

Likewise, the taillights, rear quarter panels and decklid have been redone, and the rear bumper has been rejiggered to feature exposed dual exhaust tips. Altogether, this is a much, much better looking car than the previous CTS, with more adventurous lines everywhere, especially in the gracefully sloping rear roof section, which isn't as harshly angular as on the previous edition.